Kelly Dawson

Kelly Dawson is a writer, editor, and media consultant with more than a decade of experience in the lifestyle space. Her work has been published in nearly every major shelter magazine in the United States. She's a longtime contributor to Dwell and Architectural Digest, and her work has also appeared in Martha Stewart Living, Afar Magazine, Cup of Jo, Vox, Bon Appetit, McSweeney's, Apartment Therapy, Domino, and Refinery29.

About Real Simple

Real Simple, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning, trusted online resource for for smart, authentic solutions to simplify your life. We reach 11 million readers a month. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact-checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.

White kitchen with white and blue cabinets, long island with four chairs, hanging pendant lights, and patterned tile backsplash

4 Smart Ways to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen of The Misfit House.

Space of the Week: This Reno of a Historic Georgia Kitchen Blends the Old and the Blue

Space of the Week, Living Room with Built-in Bench and Banquette

Space of the Week: A Living Room Feels More Spacious Thanks to a Clever Use of Built-Ins

Space of the Week, blush dressing room with black pocket door and leather chair, RealSimple

Space of the Week: A Blush-Toned Closet Became a Designer’s Arena for Risks

Kitchen with a light blue tile backsplash, stools with woven backrests, and glass pendant lights.

Space of the Week: This Family Kitchen Embraces a Timeless Color Palette

Coastal Kitchen with sage cabinets and wooden island, sleek design, RealSimple

Space of the Week: This Coastal Kitchen in Sydney Features the Best Sage Green Paint

Space of the Week, Maple Leaf Entryway with Benches, RealSimple

Space of the Week: Cheerful Wallpaper and Secret Storage Make for a Smile-Inducing Entryway

Historic dining room with white walls and wooden ceiling beams and wood table

Space of the Week: This Historic Home’s Dining Room Got a Modern Makeover—With a Timeless Twist

Neutral Color Bathroom with Checkerboard Tile, White Walls, and Wood Vanity

Space of the Week: This Bathroom Makeover Feels Bright and Airy After a Few Style Shifts

Space of the Week, Moody Green Home Office with glass doors

Space of the Week: Two Lawyers Get a Moody Home Office Thanks to an All-Over Paint Job

Guest Bedroom With Green Bedding

Space of the Week: This Beautiful Guest Bedroom Went From Dirt (Literally) to Fresh Digs

mountain living room with large windows and sleek gray sofas

Space of the Week: A Living Room Embraces the 'Mountain Living' Look—Without Leaning Too Far Into a Theme

Cloffice with blue paint, wooden desk surface, and upholstered chair

Space of the Week: An Annapolis Home's Laundry Room Is Repurposed into a Clever Office With Storage

Kitchen Storage Ideas to Steal from Stylish Restaurants, restaurant kitchen

6 Clever Kitchen Storage Ideas to Steal From Restaurants

Floral Bathroom With Mint Green Vanity

Space of the Week: Floral Wallpaper Becomes the Defining Feature of a Formerly Bland Bathroom

Space of the week modern rustic kitchen with vintage style runner rug, wooden island, and black metal pendant light

Space of the Week: This Kitchen's Island Was Expanded and Stocked With Storage—No Major Demo Necessary

Laundry room with blue cabinets, wood counters, and stacked washer and dryer

Space of the Week: A Brilliant Laundry Room Reno Maximizes Storage and Counter Space

Kitchen with teal textured island and leather seats

Space of the Week: This Kitchen Remodel Is Midcentury Modern Done Right

Neutral color bedroom with white curtains and mirror

Space of the Week: Orlando Soria's L.A. Bedroom Contains a Clever Window Treatment Trick

Outdoor seating area with wooden furniture with white cushions and pea gravel

Space of the Week: A Dull Florida Backyard Is Transformed Just in Time for Summer Entertaining

HGTV Star Jasmine Roth Home Office with black and white photo gallery on shelves along back wall

Space of the Week: This Petite Home Office Features a Genius Gallery Wall Idea You'll Want to Steal

circular gray patterned tiles on focal wall in bathroom with white vanity

Space of the Week: Patterned Tile Steals the Spotlight in This California Powder Room

Home bar with woven stools, open shelving across window

Space of the Week: An L.A. Family Can Serve Up a Party at This Bright and Airy Bar

bathroom with wood paneling and seaside inspired details, brass hardware

Space of the Week: A Seaside Bathroom Takes on the Nautical Look in a Modern Yet Timeless Way